Question

Distinguish between rods and cones with respect to both their structure and their function.

Answer 1

The photoreceptor cells of eyes which convert light energy into electrical impulses, and are responsible for vision are called rod cells and cone cells.

Rod Cells

The rod shaped cells required for night vision are called rod cells. They are mostly located around the periphery of retina. Rods do not give any color vision and are alike. Responsible for dim light and twilight vision. Rods have light sensitive pigment called rodospin.

Cone cells

The cone shaped cells responsible for bright light or day vision is called cone cells. They are located in the center of the retina. There are three types of cone cells as red, green, and blue and these are responsible for color vision. The light sensitive pigment of cones are called iodospin.